Balloon anchoring structure with light emitting functionality

ABSTRACT

Structures for use in restraining balloons, particularly balloons filled with helium, are provided that include one or more additional functionalities. In an exemplary embodiment, the structure includes an internal light source that is adapted to emit light through one or more faces of the structure, e.g., through translucent or transparent surfaces associated with one or more walls of the structure. Additional features and functionalities associated with embodiments of the structure include one or more sound emitting elements positioned within the structure, one or more power sources positioned within the structure for powering the light source and/or the sound emitting element(s), one or more handles/extensions/brackets for detachably receiving/securing a balloon string, and novelty appearances that may be theme-based, holiday-based and the like.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of a co-pending provisionalpatent application entitled “Balloon Anchoring Structure with LightEmitting Functionality” which was filed on Oct. 17, 2005 and assignedSer. No. 60/727,485. The entire contents of the foregoing provisionalapplication are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure is directed to structures for use in restrainingballoons, particularly balloons filled with helium, that provide one ormore additional functionalities. In exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the disclosed structures include an internal light sourcethat is adapted to emit light through one or more faces of thestructure, e.g., through translucent or transparent surfaces associatedwith one or more walls of the structure. Additional features andfunctionalities associated with exemplary embodiments of the disclosedstructure include one or more sound emitting elements positioned withinthe structure, one or more power sources positioned within the structurefor powering the light source and/or the sound emitting element(s), oneor more handles/extensions/brackets for detachably receiving/securing aballoon string, and novelty appearances that may be theme-based,holiday-based and the like.

2. Background Art

Balloons are frequently used to mark festive occasions, e.g., birthdays,graduations, anniversaries and the like. Similarly, balloons have usesin connection with holiday-themed events, e.g., Christmas parties,Valentine parties, July 4^(th) celebrations and the like. Increasingly,helium-filled balloons are used to mark such occasions. Many retailestablishments offer a variety of helium balloons for purchase, andstock the necessary equipment/infrastructure to inflate the balloons onan as-needed basis, e.g., a helium canister with appropriate valvingsystems. Each balloon is generally secured to an elongated string/ribbonto facilitate handling by the purchaser and recipient(s), and to permitthe balloon to float above the person or structure to which it issecured.

Generally, helium-filled balloons must be secured to a structure toprevent the balloon from escaping into the atmosphere. The patentliterature reflects previous efforts aimed at structures for use withballoons and other members, e.g., umbrellas. Thus, for example, U.S.Pat. No. 4,296,693 to Archer describes a beach umbrella support formedfrom a collapsible container wherein a structure is provided to retain abeach umbrella shaft and the container is provided with handles and/orpockets to double as a beach bag. U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,364 to Bloxson etal. describes a detachable weight assembly for use in securing ablanket/towel in a desired location, e.g., on a beach.

In the field of balloon-retainer structures, numerous patents havedisclosed various approaches to retaining a balloon, e.g., ahelium-filled balloon, in a desired location. For example, U.S. Pat. No.5,011,447 to Watanabe describes a balloon holder that includes anexternal cap having a slit through which a string is pulled out, and aninternal cap to be fitted to the external cap. The total weight of theholder is greater than the buoyancy of the balloon, thereby preventingthe balloon from flying away when the string is released. U.S. Pat. No.5,016,848 to Metz discloses a pyramidal-shaped balloon holder thatincludes a base plate, a pyramidally shaped cap member mounted on thebase plate, and an arch-shaped member secured thereto to enable balloonstrings to be attached. A chamber is defined between the base plate andthe cap member to receive a ballast. U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,011 to Collinsdiscloses a decorative message display that is adapted to cooperate witha plurality of decorative appendages, e.g., balloons. The messagedisplay includes a front panel that defines an image area and a messagearea, and the front panel is adapted to cooperate with a horizontal basewhich maintains the front panel in a substantially upright position. Acounterweight may be provided to offset the buoyancy of the balloons,and a pressure-sensitive sound producing device may be embedded in thepanel to produce an audible message when the region is pressed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,391 to Steele et al. discloses a weighted balloonanchor that includes a vertically extending bracket the is employed toanchor one or more inflated balloons. The weighted anchor may be colorcoded for the occasion and may include suitable identifying indiciathereon. A peripheral rim and appendage(s) serve to receive attachedballoon tethers and receive/frictionally retain an announcement card.U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,510 to Metz discloses a balloon holder that includesa synthetic plastic base member, an upstanding arch-shaped ring memberfor securing a balloon tether, and an upstanding greeting card holderadjacent to the ring member. U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,419 to Gearhart et al.discloses a balloon holder apparatus that defines a hollow body and aweighted base. A slot extends along an edge and is adapted toreceive/secure a knotted balloon tether. U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,510 toWolens discloses a balloon anchor with a sounder and a display area. Thedevice includes a housing that is adapted to be affixed to a balloontether and that defines a graphical display portion. The housing alsocontains a sound emitting device that is capable of playing apreselected musical composition or a recorded message.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,427 to Nelson et al. discloses a balloon weight andlatch assembly for securing balloon tether(s). The balloon weight has aplastic body of aesthetically pleasing appearance and a clip/latchassembly at the top thereof. U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,798 to Novak disclosesa decorative balloon holder that includes a core of sufficient weight tocounterbalance balloon buoyancy, and an attachment held directly to thecore for securing the string of a balloon. A layer of decorativematerial is wrapped around the core.

Despite efforts to date, a need remains for innovative and functionalballoon anchoring structures. More particularly, a need remains forballoon anchoring structures that are visually attractive andcomplementary to theme and/or holiday-related activities. These andother needs are satisfied by the balloon anchoring structures describedherein and readily apparent extensions/modifications/enhancementsthereto.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to the present disclosure, advantageous balloon anchoringstructures are provided that are visually attractive and complementaryto theme and/or holiday-related activities. The disclosed balloonanchoring structures have wide ranging applicability and offer enhancedvalue and/or impact when combined with conventional balloon-basedactivities. Thus, for example, the disclosed balloon anchoringstructures are susceptible to an infinite variety of implementations toaugment/complement theme-based events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries,engagements, graduations, Christenings, wedding showers, baby showers,births, etc.), holiday-based events (e.g., New Year'sactivities/celebrations, St. Patrick's Day activities/celebrations,Easter activities/celebrations, July 4^(th) activities/celebrations,Halloween activities/celebrations, Thanksgiving activities/celebrations,Christmas activities/celebrations, etc.), and other events/activities(e.g., sports-related events/activities, school-relatedevents/activities, music events/activities, drama events/activities,fund-raising events/activities, family-related events/activities, etc.).

In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a balloon anchoringstructure is provided that includes (i) a housing defining an internalregion and including at least one transparent, translucent or windowopening for light transmission, (ii) a structure/feature forfacilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers, and (iii) alight emitting device positioned in the internal region of the housing.Exemplary embodiments of the disclosed balloon anchoring structureinclude at least one power source for powering the light emitting device(e.g., one or more batteries) and a switching mechanism for manualcontrol of the power fed to the light emitting device. In furtherexemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a printed circuit board(PCB) and/or other electronic control circuitry (e.g., one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) are provided withinthe internal region to control operation of the light emitting device(and/or other electronics associated with the disclosed balloonanchoring structure, e.g., sound emitting devices, vibratory devices,smoke emitting devices, and the like). Thus, in preferredimplementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, the lightemitting device and associated electronic control circuitry are adaptedto emit light in various colors and/or in various modes (e.g., flashingsequences, color/brightness sequences, and the like).

The disclosed transparent, translucent or window opening(s) for lighttransmission are generally selected so as to be consistent with andfoster the theme/appearance of the balloon anchoring device. Thus, forexample, the transparent, translucent or window opening may beadvantageously selected so as to provide/convey a desire image orappearance, e.g., a graduation cap, a stork with delivery, a four leafclover, a Valentine heart, a birthday cake with candles, a footballhelmet, a Christmas tree, a Menorah, etc. Exemplary implementations ofthe disclosed balloon anchoring device include a transparent ortranslucent plate/panel mounted with respect to wall of the housing suchthat the plate/panel covers the light-transmitting opening(s) associatedwith such wall. Appropriate internal mounting structures/features aretypically defined in the inner face of such wall, e.g., mountingbracket(s), detents, channels or the like. The plate/panel may alsoinclude visually distinguishing features, e.g., a color, texture,variation in thickness, or the like.

In use, one or more balloon tethers are typically secured to thestructure/feature associated with the housing that is adapted tointeract with such tether(s). For example, the structure/feature forcooperating with balloon tether(s) may include one or more handles,hooks, brackets or extensions that extend from an upper face or sidewall of the housing. Once the balloon tether(s) are secured to thestructure/feature extending from the housing, the user may activateinternal electronics associated with the disclosed balloon anchoringstructure, e.g., a light emitting device and/or a sound emitting device.An activation button/switch is typically actuable from the housingexterior, e.g., along a wall thereof. According to exemplary embodimentsof the present disclosure, electronic circuitry positioned within thehousing controls the nature/sequence of the electronic activity, e.g.,causing a sequencing of light emissions that involve a plurality ofcolors (e.g., seven) based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positionedwithin the internal region. The light emissions are typically directedtoward the transparent, translucent and/or window openings defined inone or more walls of the housing. Thus, the disclosed balloon anchoringstructure offers an advantageous and complementary visual (and/oraural/sensorial) effect that adds to the impact of the balloons securedthereto.

Additional features, functions and benefits associated with thedisclosed balloon anchoring structures will be apparent from thedescription of exemplary embodiments which follows, particularly whenread in conjunction with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

To assist those of ordinary skill in the relevant field in making andusing the disclosed balloon anchoring structures, reference is made tothe appended figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary “graduation-themed” balloonanchoring structure according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 an exploded view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an exemplary “clover-themed” balloon anchoringstructure according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structureof FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an exemplary “heart-themed” balloon anchoringstructure according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structure ofFIG. 10; and

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the exemplary balloon anchoring structureof FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As noted above, the present disclosure provides advantageous balloonanchoring structures that are visually attractive and complementary to,inter alia, theme and/or holiday-related activities. The disclosedballoon anchoring structures have wide ranging applicability and offerenhanced value and/or impact when combined with conventionalballoon-based activities, e.g., implementations that augment/complementtheme-based events (e.g., birthdays, anniversaries, engagements,graduations, Christenings, wedding showers, baby showers, births, etc.),holiday-based events (e.g., New Year's activities/celebrations, St.Patrick's Day activities/celebrations, Easter activities/celebrations,July 4^(th) activities/celebrations, Halloween activities/celebrations,Thanksgiving activities/celebrations, Christmas activities/celebrations,etc.), and other events/activities (e.g., sports-relatedevents/activities, school-related events/activities, musicevents/activities, drama events/activities, fund-raisingevents/activities, family-related events/activities, etc.).

Exemplary balloon anchoring structures according to the presentdisclosure include (i) a housing defining an internal region andincluding at least one transparent, translucent or window opening forlight transmission, (ii) a structure/feature for facilitatinginteraction with one or more balloon tethers, and (iii) a light emittingdevice positioned in the internal region of the housing. At least onepower source is generally provided for powering the light emittingdevice (e.g., one or more batteries) and a switching mechanism is alsogenerally provided for manual control of the power fed to the lightemitting device. In further exemplary embodiments, a printed circuitboard (PCB) and/or other electronic control circuitry (e.g., one or moreapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) are provided withinthe internal region to control operation of the light emitting device(and/or other electronics associated with the disclosed balloonanchoring structure, e.g., sound emitting devices, vibratory devices,smoke emitting devices, and the like). Thus, in preferredimplementations of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, the lightemitting device and associated electronic control circuitry are adaptedto emit light in various colors and/or in various modes (e.g., flashingsequences, color/brightness sequences, etc.).

The disclosed transparent, translucent or window opening(s) for lighttransmission are generally selected so as to be consistent with andfoster the theme/appearance of the balloon anchoring device. Thus, forexample, the transparent, translucent or window opening may beadvantageously selected so as to provide/convey a desire image orappearance, e.g., a graduation cap, a stork with delivery, a four leafclover, a Valentine heart, a birthday cake with candles, a footballhelmet, a Christmas tree, a Menorah, etc. Exemplary implementations ofthe disclosed balloon anchoring device include a transparent ortranslucent plate/panel mounted with respect to wall of the housing suchthat the plate/panel covers the light-transmitting opening(s) associatedwith such wall. Appropriate internal mounting structures/features aretypically defined in the inner face of such wall, e.g., mountingbracket(s), detents, channels or the like. The plate/panel may alsoinclude visually distinguishing features, e.g., a color, texture,variation in thickness, or the like.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 6 and 10, three exemplary embodiments of thedisclosed balloon anchoring structure are depicted. Although theillustrated embodiments differ in geometry, theme and visual impact,they share common structural and functional attributes. Thus, in each ofthe embodiments of FIGS. 1, 6 and 10, a housing is provided that definesan internal region. At least one cut-out is defined in a wall of thehousing, such at least one cut-out functioning to define a theme orvisual impact of the disclosed balloon anchoring structure. Thus, withreference to FIG. 1, a graduation cap is depicted by the cut-out. InFIG. 6, a plurality of four-leaf clover cut-outs are defined in aconical housing wall. And with reference to FIG. 10, a heart-shapedcut-out is defined in side walls of the housing. In each instance, aninterior region is defined by the housing and a structure/feature forfacilitating interaction with one or more balloon tethers is defined ator toward the top of the housing. In FIG. 1, the tether-cooperatingfeature takes the form of a pair of arch-shaped handles, while in FIG. 6the tether-cooperating feature takes the form of a hook extending fromthe apex of the conical housing, and in FIG. 10 the tether-cooperatingfeature takes the form of a substantially rigid bow-shaped structureformed or secured to the top face of the box-shaped housing. These threeembodiments are merely illustrative of housing, cut-outtether-cooperating structure geometries, dimensions, themes and thelike. An infinite variety of implementations may be employed withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Turning with greater particularity to the exemplary embodiment of FIGS.1-5, various views associated with a first exemplary embodiment of thepresent disclosure are provided. The illustrative embodiment of FIGS.1-5 takes the general form of a bag with a pair of arch-shaped handlespositioned at the top thereof. With particular reference to the explodedview of FIG. 4F, the balloon anchoring structure 10 includes a housingor cabinet 12 which is mountable to a base or bottom 14, e.g., using aplurality of mounting screws 16 that cooperate with mounting legs 17.Base supports 15 are formed on base 14 to space housing 12 upwardly fromthe support surface, e.g., floor, upon which it is positioned. A pair ofhandles 18 are mounted to a top face 20 of the housing 12, e.g., throughapertures formed in the top face as shown. A plurality of screws 22 aretypically employed to secure the handles 18 relative to top face 20,although alternative mounting mechanisms may be employed.

A graduation cap cut-out 24 is formed in opposed side faces 26, 28 ofthe housing 12, and is backed by a pair of plates/panels or lenses 30,32. Each of the plates/panels 30, 32 defines a plurality of mountingfeatures 34, 36 at top and bottom ends thereof, respectively. Themounting features 34, 36 are adapted to cooperate with mountingnotches/channels (not pictured) defined on the interior side of housing12. In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, each of theplates/panels or lenses 30, 32 is translucent and functions to furtherdiffuse the light that is emitted from the balloon anchoring structure10.

A light emitting device 38 is positioned within the housing 12, i.e.,within an interior region defined by the housing 12. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the light emitting device 38 includes aplurality (3) LEDS 40 mounting to a circular PCB module 42. Ahemispheric diffuser 44 is positioned above the LEDs 40 and mounts withrespect to the circular PCB module 42 so as to enclose the LEDs 40. ThePCB module 42 is mounted to a flat surface that defines a wall of abattery-receiving compartment 46. A battery compartment door 48 isdetachably secured with respect to the housing 12 so as to obscure andprotect the batteries (e.g., 3 AAA batteries) (not pictured) forpowering the LEDs 40 and associated electronic circuitry.

A switch mechanism is provided for controlling the powering of the LEDs40. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, the switch mechanismincludes a tact switch 50, a switch retainer 52 and a switch knob 54.Switch retainer 52 is mounted with respect to base 14 by screws 56. Inuse, activation of the switch mechanism actuates the LEDs 40, based onthe control logic associated with the PCB module 42. Thus, for example,a single actuation of the switch mechanism may actuate a first lightemitting pattern/sequence or color, whereas a second actuation mayactuate a second light emitting pattern/sequence or color, and so on. Inan exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, seven to eightpatterns/sequences and/or colors may be effectuated through interactionwith the noted PCB module 42. A ballast/weight (not pictured) may beadded to the assembly, as necessary, to address the buoyancy of theballoons to be tethered to the handles 18. Alternatively, the totalweight of the components shown in the exploded view of FIG. 5 may besufficient to offset such buoyancy.

When fully assembled, balloons (not pictured) are tethered to thehandles 18 and the light-emitting device 38 is actuated throughinteraction with the switch mechanism, i.e., tact switch 50 and/orswitch knob 54. One or more of the disclosed balloon anchoringstructures 10 may be positioned, as desired, to support/complement anactivity, e.g., a graduation celebration. The light-emitting device 38generates light that passes through the diffuser lens 44 and outwardthrough the panels/lenses 30, 32 and the cut-outs 24. In this way, thedisclosed balloon anchoring structure 10 advantageously emits light fromthe housing 12 and provides a desirable visual effect.

Turning to the alternative illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, aballoon anchoring device 60 in the general form of a party hat isdepicted. The party hat 60 includes a substantially conical cabinet orhousing 62 that includes a hook structure 64 at an apex thereof. Withparticular reference to the exploded views of FIGS. 6-9, the conicalhousing 62 defines an interior region and includes a hook-shapedextension 64 at its apex for cooperation with balloon tether(s). Theconical housing 62 includes a plurality of radially spaced cut-outs 66that define four-leaf clovers. A frusto-conical panel or lens 68 ispositioned within housing 62 and includes a plurality of notches 70along a lower edge thereof to facilitate positioning relative to a baseor bottom 72. Legs 73 extend from base 72. A plurality of screws 74 areused to mount the base 72 with respect to the housing 62 andfrusto-conical panel 68.

A light-emitting device 76 similar in design/operation to light-emittingdevice 38 described with reference to the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS. 1-5 is positioned within the interior region defined by thehousing 62. Thus, a plurality of LEDs 78 are mounted with respect to aPCB 80 and are actuated by a switch mechanism. The switch mechanismincludes a tact switch 86, a switch retainer 88 and a switch knob 90.Screws 91 are provided to secure the switch mechanism with respect tohousing 62. A plurality of batteries (not pictured) are provided topower the LEDs 78 and PCB 80, and are positioned within a batterycompartment 82 that is partially defined by a detachable battery door84. In use, the LEDs 78 are actuated through interaction with the switchmechanism and light is emitted through diffuser lens 92 andfrusto-conical panel 68 so as to exit the housing 62 through theclover-shaped cut-outs 66. Different light emitting patterns/sequencesand/or colors may be effected through interaction with the switchmechanism, based on light-emitting logic contained on the PCB 80.

Turning to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,FIGS. 10-14 illustrate a further illustrative embodiment that takes theform of a packaged present 100 with a bow structure 102 at the topthereof. Of note, an arch-shaped member 104 may extend betweenrespective lobe-shaped bows 106 to further facilitate interaction withballoon tether(s) according to the illustrative embodiment of FIGS.10-14. Screws 107 are typically provided to mount bow structure 102 withrespect to the top face 103 of packaged present 100. The cut-outs 108formed in substantially rectangular housing 110 take the form of hearts,making the exemplary balloon anchoring structure 100 of FIGS. 10-14particularly applicable to romance-related activities/events, e.g.,anniversaries, dates, Valentine's Day, and the like. With reference tothe exploded view of FIG. 14, the disclosed balloon anchoring structure100 includes the housing or cabinet 110, a base 112 and a plurality (4)of panels/plates or lenses 114 that are adapted to be mounted withrespect to the inner walls of the housing. Base 112 includes a pluralityof legs 113. As shown in FIG. 14, heart-shaped cut-outs 108 are providedon each of the four faces of the housing 110, thereby permitting lightemission in all four directions. The panels/plates/lenses 114 aretypically translucent or transparent, and may be textured and/orcolorized to further vary the lighting effect.

A light-emitting device that includes a plurality (3) of LEDs 116 and acircular PCB module 118 is positioned within the housing 110. A switchmechanism is provided for actuating the LEDs 116 and PCB 118. A powersource, e.g., batteries positioned within a battery compartment 120,supply power to the LEDs 116 and PCB 118 to cause light emissiontherefrom. A door 130 is typically provided in association with base 112to facilitate access to batteries positioned within battery compartment120. According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,various light-emitting sequences/patterns and colors may be initiatedthrough interaction with the switch mechanism and the control circuitryassociated with the PCB module 118 A tact switch 122, switch retainer124 and switch knob 126 are typically associated with the switchmechanism, as with the previously disclosed embodiments.

Thus, a variety of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed balloonanchoring structure have been described herein. In use, one or moreballoon tethers are typically secured to the structure/featureassociated with the housing that is adapted to interact with suchtether(s). For example, the structure/feature for cooperating withballoon tether(s) may include one or more handles, hooks, brackets orextensions that extend from an upper face or side wall of the housing.Once the balloon tether(s) are secured to the structure/featureextending from the housing, the user may activate internal electronicsassociated with the disclosed balloon anchoring structure, e.g., a lightemitting device and/or a sound emitting device. An activationbutton/switch is typically actuable from the housing exterior, e.g.,along a wall thereof. According to exemplary embodiments of the presentdisclosure, electronic circuitry positioned within the housing controlsthe nature/sequence of the electronic activity, e.g., causing asequencing of light emissions that involve a plurality of colors (e.g.,seven) based on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) positioned within theinternal region. The light emissions are typically directed toward thetransparent, translucent and/or window openings defined in one or morewalls of the housing. Thus, the disclosed balloon anchoring structureoffers an advantageous and complementary visual (and/or aural/sensorial)effect that adds to the impact of the balloons secured thereto.

Although the present disclosure has been provided with reference toexemplary embodiments and implementations thereof, the presentdisclosure is not to be limited by such exemplary implementations.Rather, the disclosed balloon anchoring structures are susceptible tomany variations, enhancements, modifications and/or alternatives withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, as will bereadily apparent to persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, the presentdisclosure extends to and encompasses such variations, enhancements,modifications and/or alternatives within its scope.

1. A balloon anchoring structure comprising: (i) a housing defining aninternal region and including at least one transparent, translucent orwindow opening for light transmission, (ii) a structure for facilitatinginteraction with one or more balloon tethers, and (iii) a light emittingdevice positioned in the internal region of the housing.
 2. A balloonanchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising at leastone power source for powering the light emitting device.
 3. A balloonanchoring structure according to claim 2, wherein said at least onepower source includes one or more batteries.
 4. A balloon anchoringstructure according to claim 1, further comprising a switching mechanismfor manual control of the power fed to the light emitting device.
 5. Aballoon anchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising aprinted circuit board (PCB) to control operation of the light emittingdevice.
 6. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, furthercomprising at least one additional electronic element positioned withinsaid housing.
 7. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 6,wherein said at least one additional electronic structure is selectedfrom the group consisting of a sound emitting device, a vibratorydevice, a smoke emitting device, and combinations thereof.
 8. A balloonanchoring structure according to claim 1, wherein the light emittingdevice is adapted to emit light in various colors and in various modes.9. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, wherein the atleast one transparent, translucent or window opening for lighttransmission is selected so as to be consistent with a predeterminedtheme or appearance.
 10. A balloon anchoring structure according toclaim 9, wherein the at least one transparent, translucent or windowopening is selected so as to convey a desired image or appearance.
 11. Aballoon anchoring structure according to claim 10, wherein the desiredimage or appearance is selected from the group consisting of agraduation cap, a stork with delivery, a four leaf clover, a Valentineheart, a birthday cake with candles, a football helmet, a Christmastree, and a Menorah.
 12. A balloon anchoring structure according toclaim 1, wherein further comprising at least one transparent ortranslucent plate or panel mounted with respect to a wall of the housingsuch that the plate or panel covers the at least one opening associatedwith such wall.
 13. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 12,wherein said transparent or translucent plate or panel includes internalmounting structures for mounting with respect to the housing.
 14. Aballoon anchoring structure according to claim 12, wherein the plate orpanel includes at least one visually distinguishing feature.
 15. Aballoon anchoring structure according to claim 14, wherein the at leastone visually distinguishing feature is selected from the groupconsisting of a color, texture, variation in thickness, and combinationsthereof.
 16. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 1, whereinthe light emitting device includes a plurality of light emitting diodes(LEDs).
 17. A balloon anchoring structure according to claim 16, whereinthe light emitting device further includes a diffusing lens.
 18. Aballoon anchoring structure according to claim 1, wherein the housingdefines a shape selected from the group consisting of a square, arectangle, a cone, a sphere, a pyramid and a polygon.
 19. A balloonanchoring structure according to claim 1, further comprising a weight orballast positioned within an interior region defined by the housing forcountering the buoyancy of one or more balloons.
 20. A balloon anchoringstructure according to claim 1, further comprising one or more balloonstethered to the structure for facilitating interaction with one or moreballoon tethers.